Izumi Ashizawa Visits Coe

Cedar Rapids - The Coe College Marquis Series will present the innovative and bold theatrical approach of Izumi Ashizawa performing Dreams in the Arms of the Binding Lady on Saturday, Sept. 8, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Dows Theatre.

Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are available by calling the Coe Box Office at 319-399-8600, Monday – Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

In Dreams in the Arms of a Binding Lady, Ashizawa and her company present theatrical invention, which combines the atmospheric quality of a Japanese ghost story and that of a ritualistic ceremony. According to a review in DC Theatre Scene, "Dreams in the Arms of a Binding Lady is a triumphant display of some serious artistry. From the dreams’ concepts to each performers’ facial expressions, the show is well-polished on every level…(You) shouldn’t miss this imaginative tour-de-force."

Ashizawa has performed her pieces throughout the world, including residencies in Iran, Romania, Peru and Australia. She has won numerous awards, including the Director’s Award at the 2011 Capital Fringe Festival for her piece, iKilL. Ashizawa grew up studying traditional Japanese theatre forms (No, Kabuki, Bunraku) and eventually branched off to work directly with the great director and teacher, Tadashi Suzuki.

A graduate of the Yale Drama School, Ashizawa is currently an assistant professor of acting, movement and devised theatre at the State University of New York - Stony Brook.

The Coe College Lecture and Performance Series is funded in part by a gift from the estate of Sarah Marquis in honor of her father, Dr. John A. Marquis, who was president of Coe College from 1909-1920. The purpose of the series is to bring entertainment and educational experiences to the Coe campus for the benefit of the entire community.

For more information, go to www.coe.edu or call 399-8600.